Nigeria has been grouped with Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and South Africa in Group 15 of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, which will be hosted in London from April 28 to May 10, 2026.
The official draw took place on Tuesday at The Shard, signalling the start of celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the World Championships.
ITTF President Petra Sörling said preparations were well underway for the historic tournament, noting that the return to London holds special significance. She explained that although England has staged the World Championships seven times, hosting the centenary edition in the city where the event began makes the 2026 championship particularly memorable.
Nigeria’s men’s team, led by star player Quadri Aruna, will face stiff competition against Hong Kong, known for their talented young squad, Middle East heavyweights Saudi Arabia, and African rivals South Africa.
In the women’s event, Nigeria will compete in Group 11 under the leadership of Fatimo Bello, taking on Australia, Uzbekistan and hosts Wales.
African champions Egypt enjoyed a favourable draw in the men’s competition, with Omar Assar set to lead his team against Kazakhstan, Turkey and Thailand. In the women’s category, rising talent Hana Goda will captain Egypt against Algeria, South Africa and Syria.
Defending champions China, winners of the last 11 editions, headline Group 1 in the men’s event alongside host nation England, five-time champions Sweden and Korea Republic. Meanwhile, France, runners-up at the previous championships, will contest Group 2 with Japan, Germany and Chinese Taipei as they chase their first Swaythling Cup title.
In the women’s competition, hosts England were drawn in Group 2 with Japan, Germany and France, while China, 23-time Corbillon Cup champions, lead Group 1 against Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei and Romania.
The top eight seeded teams in both the men’s and women’s events will compete in Stage 1a at the OVO Arena Wembley from May 2 to May 3, with all teams advancing to Stage 2. Group results will determine seedings for the knockout rounds.
Stage 1b will be held at the Copper Box Arena from April 28 to May 1, where 56 teams in each category will battle for the remaining 24 spots in the Main Draw.
The London 2026 championships mark exactly 100 years since the inaugural World Table Tennis Championships were staged in the city in 1926, making it the most significant edition in the tournament’s history.
